166982017-09-16Surface-borne Time Of Reception Measurements (STORM), Phase ICompletedMay 2013Nov 2013Invocon has devised a method to determine the location of lightning strikes on structures to as close as 1" by combining simple sensors with highly capable electronics. This method measures a strike from multiple transducers to triangulate its location. Initial testing on metallic and composite structures has provided good results. The next step is to extend the wireless nature of the system to the transducers in order to simplify installation and use of the system. The proposed development is based on nearly 10 years of successfully development and flight testing of high-speed impact detection and evaluation systems combined with lightning detection and location research. It will also take advantage of Invocon's successful 20 year history of deploying highly synchronized wireless networks on aerospace vehicles.NASA applications include monitoring aircraft and spacecraft for lightning strikes. Launch vehicles can benefit from lightning detection and location in order to quickly assess damage prior to and during launch. Other applications include test instrumentation for studying lightning strikes on aircraft. NASA has expressed interest in a tool that is simple to install and use on aircraft. ATK has also expressed interest in STORM for monitoring its composite encapsulated rocket motors.334SBIR/STTRSpace Technology Mission DirectorateLangley Research CenterLaRCNASA CenterHamptonVAInvocon, Inc.IndustryConroeTXTexasVirginiaTherese GriebelCarlos TorrezJay ElyDoug Heermann4999Final Patent/New Technology ReportLink2985Project ImageImageSurface-borne Time Of Reception Measurements (STORM)3867https://techport.nasa.gov/file/3867513920